The 2017 Ridge Monte Bello, a proprietary blend from the Santa Cruz Mountains in California, is a notable entrant in the world of red wines. This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, with an alcohol content of 13.7%.

Jeb Dunnuck awarded this wine a perfect score, describing it as a "powerhouse" with a "dense, powerful nose of blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, scorched earth, crushed stone, and lead pencil." He praised its "beautiful spine of acidity" and "fabulous finish," recommending plenty of air if opened soon, but ideally suggesting another decade of bottle age for optimal enjoyment.

Vinous, with a score of 97, highlighted the wine's immediate drinkability, noting its "exotic, voluptuous, exuberant" nature. Billy Norris from Vinous described the Monte Bello as "oozing with an array of spices and sweet black fruit," with tannins that have relaxed into a harmonious blend.

Wine Spectator gave it a score of 96, appreciating its "vibrant violet, juniper and anise notes" and "intense dark currant, plum and cherry fruit." The wine was characterized as "chiseled" and "ripped," suggesting it is a Cabernet for the cellar, best enjoyed from 2023 through 2040.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also awarded a perfect score of 100, calling the wine a "towering triumph." Matthew Luczy emphasized the "immense heft and gravitas" of the wine, with "ample mid-palate richness and vigorous tannins."

James Suckling rated it 99, noting its "incredible intensity and depth" with flavors of "blackberries, pine needles, blackcurrants, and black olives." He described it as "full-bodied" with "very fine, creamy tannins."

Overall, the 2017 Ridge Monte Bello is celebrated for its complexity, potential for aging, and impressive depth, making it a remarkable choice for wine enthusiasts.